Noren Izakaya Closed:
Food at 113F, No Handwashing Soap

A popular Japanese restaurant in San Francisco's North Beach district has been forced to close after health inspectors discovered shocking food safety violations including staff meals left at dangerous temperatures and missing handwashing supplies. Noren Izakaya, located at 1701 Powell Street near the Powell-Mason Cable Car line, was shuttered during a routine inspection on September 2, 2025, after inspectors found multiple critical health violations that posed immediate risks to customer safety.

Dangerous Temperature Violations Found

The most alarming discovery came when Inspector Michael Mooney found a staff meal left sitting on a shelf at a dangerous 113°F - far above the safe holding temperature. The inspector immediately ordered the person in charge to either rapidly reheat the food to 165°F or cool it to below 41°F to prevent bacterial growth that could cause serious foodborne illness. Additional temperature violations were discovered throughout the kitchen. A prep top cooler contained chicken at 45°F, while a two-door cooler at the service line held kimchi at 50°F - both exceeding the maximum safe temperature of 41°F for potentially hazardous foods. According to the person in charge, the food had been delivered at 3 PM and placed in refrigerators that were apparently malfunctioning.

Missing Handwashing Supplies Create Health Risk

In a violation that directly impacts food safety, inspectors found that kitchen handwashing sinks completely lacked hand soap at the time of inspection. While the bar area had soap available, kitchen staff were left without proper handwashing facilities during food preparation. Studies show that inadequate handwashing supplies lead to only 31% of food workers properly washing their hands, significantly increasing the risk of spreading norovirus and other foodborne pathogens to customers.

Improper Food Storage and Thawing Methods

The inspection revealed additional concerning practices that could expose customers to serious health risks. Inspectors discovered chicken being thawed improperly under a counter, creating conditions that could allow harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum to flourish. Improper thawing methods can create anaerobic environments where this deadly bacteria thrives, potentially causing botulism - a condition that proves fatal in 5-10% of cases and causes paralysis and respiratory failure. Further storage violations were found in an exterior area where open containers of dry goods including panko breadcrumbs and flour were stored in a wooden storage area lacking approved finishes. This improper storage allows pest access and creates conditions for contamination that could affect any dishes prepared with these ingredients.

Consumer Safety Warnings Missing

Adding to the safety concerns, this inspection revealed that the restaurant failed to provide required consumer advisories for raw or undercooked foods on their menu - a repeat violation. This omission leaves customers unaware of potential health risks when ordering items like sashimi or rare preparations common in Japanese cuisine.

Restaurant History and Closure Impact

This marks the first recorded inspection for Noren Izakaya in the city's database, making the severity of violations particularly concerning for a new establishment. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced, leaving North Beach diners without this Japanese dining option. The closure affects not only the restaurant's staff and ownership but also the vibrant North Beach dining scene, where tourists and locals alike expect high food safety standards. The restaurant must address all violations and pass a reinspection before being permitted to reopen and serve the public. Health officials remind consumers that restaurant closures, while disruptive, protect public health by preventing potentially serious foodborne illness outbreaks that could affect hundreds of customers.